Product classification
HS code for Oil filter: 8421.23
Machinery, filtering or purifying machinery, oil or petrol filters for internal combustion engines.
Classification of oil filter under HS 8421.23
Oil filters for internal combustion engines are classified under HS code 8421.23. This code is part of Chapter 84, which encompasses nuclear reactors, boilers, machinery, and mechanical appliances. Heading 8421 specifically covers centrifuges, including centrifugal dryers, and filtering or purifying machinery and apparatus for liquids or gases. Subheading 8421.23 is a specific provision for oil or petrol filters designed for use in internal combustion engines. This classification is determined by the function of the product—filtering liquids—and its specific application in automotive or industrial engines. Even if the filter is made of various materials like steel, paper, and rubber, its primary mechanical function as a component of an engine's lubrication system dictates its placement in Chapter 84 rather than under the constituent materials. The classification applies to filters for cars, trucks, ships, and stationary industrial engines, provided they are designed for oil or petrol filtration.
- Covers
- Spin-on oil filters for passenger vehicles
- Cartridge-type oil filter elements
- Bypass oil filters for heavy-duty machinery
- Full-flow oil filters for diesel engines
- Magnetic oil filters for industrial equipment
- Also under 8421.23
- Bosch oil filters
- Mann-Filter fuel filters
- Fram Extra Guard oil filters
- Wix fuel filters
Codes often confused with 8421.23
Common mistake. Oil filters are often confused with HS code 8421.29, which is a residual category for other liquid filtering or purifying machinery. While 8421.29 covers water filters or hydraulic fluid filters, 8421.23 is strictly for oil or petrol filters for engines. Another common mistake is using 8421.31, which is specifically for intake air filters for internal combustion engines. Importers must distinguish between the medium being filtered (liquid oil vs. air) to select the correct code. Furthermore, fuel filters are sometimes incorrectly placed here, though they are generally included if they are for petrol/oil as per the heading description.
Top exporters and importers of HS 842123 (the code used for oil filter), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 842123 (the code used for oil filter) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 18% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 15% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 842123, not only oil filter.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Germany $1.7B 18% of world exports
- 2 China $1.3B 14% of world exports
- 3 United States $1.2B 12% of world exports
World total: $9.7B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $1.5B 15% of world imports
- 2 Germany $896M 8.8% of world imports
- 3 Canada $448M 4.4% of world imports
World total: $10.2B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
How these figures are built
109 countries reported 2025 trade to UN Comtrade in HS 2022, and their own totals are used. Countries that did not report are estimated from what other countries recorded trading with them. Those estimates miss trade with other non-reporting countries, so they can be low, and a non-reporting country can rank higher than shown or be missing from the list. World totals add both and leave out trade between two non-reporting countries. Figures are in current US dollars; reported imports are mostly valued CIF and exports FOB, and exports include re-exports. The UN Comtrade links show the underlying records; they can also list a few reporters left out here (regional groups and older HS editions).
Source: UN Comtrade (United Nations Statistics Division), 2025 annual data.
Brazil NCM code for oil filter
Brazil classifies oil filter under NCM 8421.23.00: HS 8421.23 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about oil filter
What is the HS code for Oil filter?
The HS code for Oil filter is 842123 (Machinery; filtering or purifying machinery, oil or petrol filters for internal combustion engines). The HS code for an oil filter used in internal combustion engines is 8421.23.
How do I classify Oil filter for customs?
Oil filter is classified under HS code 842123 — Machinery; filtering or purifying machinery, oil or petrol filters for internal combustion engines. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include filters for hydraulic systems?
No, hydraulic fluid filters are typically classified under HS code 8421.29, as they are not specifically for the oil or petrol systems of internal combustion engines.
Which countries are the top exporters of oil filter (HS 842123)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 842123 (the code used for oil filter) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($1.7B, 18% of world exports), China ($1.3B) and the United States ($1.2B). World exports came to about $9.7B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Which countries are the top importers of oil filter (HS 842123)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 842123 (the code used for oil filter) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($1.5B, 15% of world imports), Germany ($896M) and Canada ($448M). World imports came to about $10.2B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Is the HS code for Oil filter the same in all countries?
The base HS code 842123 for Oil filter is internationally standardized for the first 6 digits across 200+ countries. Individual countries may add additional digits for national tariff lines and specific classifications.
What is the NCM code for oil filter in Brazil?
In Brazil, oil filter (HS 842123) is classified under NCM 8421.23.00.